Is public Wi-Fi safe?

Public Wi-Fi in cafes is often unsecured. Use a VPN like Mullvad or NordVPN whenever you connect to public networks to protect your data.

Do I need a different SIM for every country?

If you buy a regional eSim, no. If you buy physical SIMs, yes—a Thai SIM will generally not work in Vietnam or Cambodia.

Stay connected to the internet while traveling in Southeast Asia

Buy a local physical SIM card or use an eSim app like Airalo for the cheapest and most reliable data. Avoid using your home carrier's international roaming plan, as it usually costs $10-15 per day.

Check if your phone is unlocked. Before you leave home, contact your current mobile provider to ensure your phone is 'SIM unlocked.' If it is locked to a specific carrier, you will be unable to use local SIM cards abroad.
Download an eSim app. Download apps like Airalo or Nomad before you land. Purchase a regional 'Asialink' eSim, which covers multiple countries, to avoid buying a new card every time you cross a border.
Purchase a local SIM card on arrival. If you prefer physical SIMs, buy them at the official kiosks inside the airport arrival hall (e.g., AIS in Thailand, Viettel in Vietnam). They offer 'tourist packages' that include data and some local minutes.
Set up a personal hotspot. If you are traveling with a laptop or multiple devices, use your phone’s hotspot feature rather than paying for portable Wi-Fi egg rentals, which are bulky and require extra charging.

Is public Wi-Fi safe?: Public Wi-Fi in cafes is often unsecured. Use a VPN like Mullvad or NordVPN whenever you connect to public networks to protect your data.
Do I need a different SIM for every country?: If you buy a regional eSim, no. If you buy physical SIMs, yes—a Thai SIM will generally not work in Vietnam or Cambodia.